Santa Anita Cal-bred Days: Jan. 7 & May 28

Aug 1, 2022 Posted by CTBA In News

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Aug. 1, 2022)—Santa Anita Park has announced that its 2022-23 Winter/Spring Stakes Schedule will offer fans and horsemen a total of 93 stakes, 10 of them Grade I events, including the $750,000 Runhappy Santa Anita Derby on April 8, and 58 graded races beginning with the track’s traditional opener on Monday, Dec. 26 through closing day, June 18. There will be two days highlighting California-breds — Saturday, Jan. 7 and Saturday, May 28 — with five stakes restricted to Golden State Series eligibles on each card. On Saturday, Jan. 7, those stakes, totaling $900,000 in purses, are: $200,000 Cal Cup Derby, for 3-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles; $200,000 Leigh Ann Howard Cal Cup Oaks for 3-year-old fillies at one mile on turf; $150,000 Don Valpredo Cal Cup Sprint for 4-year-olds & up at six furlongs; $200,000 Unusual Heat Turf Classic for 4-year-olds & up at 1 1/8 miles on turf; $150,000 Sunshine Millions Turf Sprint for fillies and mares 4-year-olds & up at 6... ...

Real Good Deal a Real Tough Assignment

DEL MAR, Calif. (July 31, 2022) – Multiple graded winner Slow Down Andy and multiple stakes winner Straight Up G are among the seven black-type winners entered in Friday’s $175,000 Real Good Deal Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-olds at Del Mar. Finneus is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Ghostzapper mare My Fiona, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Lovinger, Fasihuddin or Navarro and is trained by Walther Solis. He has two wins in 10 starts, earnings of $306,216 and is coming off a fifth in the Apr. 9 Echo Eddie. He won the Golden State Juvenile Stakes at Del Mar in November. Slow Down Andy is by Nyquist, out of the Square Eddie mare Edwina E, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. He has three wins in six starts, earnings of $569,850 and is coming off a second in the July 9 Los Alamitos Derby. Multiple stakes winner Straight Up G is by Straight Fire, out of the Sky Mesa... ...

Reports of Mares Bred Due August 1

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 28, 2022) — The Jockey Club reminds stallion managers to submit their Reports of Mares Bred (RMBs) for the 2022 breeding season by August 1. “To ensure that the breeding statistics we release in the fall are as accurate as possible, we request that RMBs be submitted by August 1,” said Matt Iuliano, executive vice president and executive director of The Jockey Club. “Mare produce records and catalog-style pedigrees from equineline.com are updated in real time with the latest covering information to assist industry stakeholders with their decisions. The number of mares reported bred is also an important economic indicator of the health of the Thoroughbred breeding industry.” Stallion managers who submit completed RMBs by August 1 are among the first to receive their Stallion Service Certificates, which facilitates the timely registration of 2023 foals. Reports of Mares Bred may be submitted via Interactive Registration at registry.jockeyclub.com or a form is available by email, fax, or mail by contacting inquiries@jockeyclub.com. ...

Fun to Dream

Fun to Dream wins $175,000 Fleet Treat Stakes. ...

It’s Fun to Dream in Fleet Treat Stakes

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (July 28, 2022) — The dream continues. Fun to Dream, the miracle horse co-owned and co-bred by Connie Pageler, romped to a 9 3/4-length victory Thursday at Del Mar in the $175,000 Fleet Treat Stakes for California-bred 3-year-old fillies, continuing the improbable, gratifying story that began with her inexpensive dam, Lutess. “It’s a lot of fun to dream,” Pageler, surrounded by family, including four grandkids, and her racing manager, Bob Baedeker, said in the winner’s circle. “This was a Mike thing, not a Connie thing.” Michael Pageler was Connie’s husband. He died of lung cancer in November 2018, but not before his trainer, Bob Baffert, used a breeding share he owned in Arrogate to mate him to the Pagelers’s mare, Lutess, a Maria’s Mon mare the Pagelers had owned, lost, claimed back for $8,000, retired, and bred. Lutess produced the stakes winner Heck Yeah, also trained by Baffert. Baffert, impressed with the way Heck Yeah, by Acclamation, was built, wondered what kind of horse Lutess... ...

Desmond Doss, Principe Carlo in Bing Crosby

DEL MAR, Calif. (July 27, 2022) – Stakes winners Desmond Doss and Principe Carlo and fellow California-bred Letsgetlucky are entered in Saturday’s $400,000 Grade I Bing Crosby Stakes at Del Mar. Desmond Doss is by Grazen, out of the Malek mare O’Maley Girl, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and is trained by Steve Miyadi. He has seven wins in 19 starts, earnings of $422,341 and is coming off a back-to-back stakes wins. Principe Carlo is by Coil, out of the Rahy mare Princess Ezra, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by David Bernsen, Mia Familia Racing Stable or Rockingham Ranch and is trained by Librado Barocio. He has eight wins in 26 starts, earnings of $485,343 and is coming off a second in the May 29 Triple Bend. Letsgetlucky is by Munnings, out of the Cindago mare My Cinsation, was bred by Premier Thoroughbreds, is owned by Brown, Klein or Lebherz and trained by Brian Koriner. He has three wins in 10 starts, earnings of $305,272 and... ...

Ms. Stanford Enters BC Cup Debutante

VANCOUVER, B.C. (July 27, 2022) – Ms. Stanford is the lone California-bred entered in Monday’s $50,000 BC Cup Debutante Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Hastings Racecourse. Ms. Stanford is by Stanford, out of the Free At Last mare Freeliena, was bred by owner Mauro Somensoli and trained by Dino Condelenios. She is a maiden making her third start with earnings of $5,419. ...

NorCal Sale Grad in Manitoba Derby

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (July 28, 2022) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Dimmi Quando is the lone California-bred entered in Monday’s $100,000 Manitoba Derby for 3-year-olds at Assiniboia Downs. Dimmi Quando is by Shaman Ghost, out of the Bushwacker mare Wackey Logic, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Andrew Stronach and trained by J. Jordan. The $2,500 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has two wins in 13 starts, earnings of $61,789 and is coming off a second in the June 20 Golden Boy Stakes. ...

Escape Clause No Big Stretch for Big Stretch

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (July 28, 2022) – Big Stretch is the lone California-bred entered in Monday’s $50,000 Escape Clause Stakes for fillies and mares at Assiniboia Downs. Big Stretch is by Mr. Big, out of the Curlin mare Baby Zito, was bred by George Krikorian, is owned by A2 Thoroughbreds and trained by Michael Nault. She has three wins in 22 starts, earnings of $123,195 and is coming off a third in a July 18 optional claimer. ...

Respect the Ride in Albuquerque Distaff

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (July 31, 2022) – Respect the Ride is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $60,000 Pitre GMC Albuquerque Distaff Stakes for fillies and mares at Albuquerque. Respect the Ride is by Boat Trip, out of the In Excess mare Zoe’s Baba, was bred by Mike & Megan Stiehr and is owned by trainer Vilma De La Cruz. She is a maiden making her third start with earnings of $3,200. ...

Groovy Huey Targets Duke City Sprint

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (July 23, 2022) – Groovy Huey is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Duke City Sprint Stakes for 3-year-olds at Albuquerque. Groovy Huey is by Dads Caps, out of the Orientate mare Floatthrutheair, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Alvarez Racing Stables and trained by Sergio Alvarez. He has one win in four starts, earnings of $29,394 and is making his first start since a 10th in the Nov. 28 Cecil B. DeMille. ...

Mr. Paytience Revved Up for JR Malouff Stakes

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (July 24, 2002) — Mr. Paytience is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $60,000 JR Malouff Stakes at Albuquerque. Mr. Paytience is by Paynter, out of the Yes It’s True mare Kantstopdancin, was bred by Ballena Vista Farm, is owned by Masino Racing Stable and trained by Bart Hone. He has five wins in 25 starts, earnings of $179,502 and is coming off a fourth in the May 24 SunRay Park Stakes. ...

Leggs Galore, Sadie Bluegrass in Daisycutter

DEL MAR, Calif. (July 24, 2022) – California-bred win machines Leggs Galore and Sadie Bluegrass are entered in Friday’s 100,000 Daisycutter Handicap for fillies and mares at Del Mar. Leggs Galore is by Bayern, out of the Indian Charlie mare Cashing Tickets, was bred by owner William Sims and is trained by Phil D’Amato. She has nine wins in 15 starts, earnings of $636,588 and is coming off a fifth in the June 11 Just a Game. Sadie Bluegrass is by Bluegrass Cat, out of the Grazen mare Sadie Clare, was bred by Nick Alexander, is owned by Madden Racing, Hon Cheung Kim and Hsiu Mei Tsai and is trained by Jonathan Wong. She has 12 wins in 22 starts, earnings of $300,580 and is coming off a win in a June 4 starter’s allowance. ...

Connie Swingle High Weight for Fleet Treat

DEL MAR, Calif. (July 23, 2022) – Stakes winner Connie Swingle is the high weight in Thursday’s $175,000 Fleet Treat Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-old fillies at Del Mar. Rose Dawson is by Grazen, out of the Bertrando mare Sudden Sunday, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and is trained by Phil D’Amato. She has two wins in three starts, earnings of $160,440 and is coming off a second in a June 11 allowance. Tam’s Little Angel is by Tamarando, out of the Lucky Pulpit mare Angel Diane, was bred by owners Mr. & Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Steve Specht. She has four wins in 10 starts, earnings of $155,972 and is coming off a win in the June 25 She’s A Tiger. Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Opening Buzz is by Stanford, out of the Unbridled’s Song mare Open Mic, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Jonathan Wong. The $34,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale won her lone... ...

Slew’s Tiz Whiz Wins Governor’s Stakes

AUBURN, Wash. (July 24, 2022) – Slew’s Tiz Whiz, a Washington-bred son of California stallion Slew’s Tiznow, rallied late to win Sunday’s 50,000 Governor’s Stakes at Emerald Downs. Slew’s Tiz Whiz is out of the Rosberg mare Ros’s Girl. He ran the 6 ½ furlongs in 1:14.73 and won by 2 ½ lengths at odds of 9-1. Slew’s Tiz Whiz has five wins in 12 starts and earnings of $88,207. ...

Sir Busker Rallies to Win Sky Bet York Stakes

By Sporting Life YORK, England (July 23, 2022) — Sir Busker, an Irish-bred son of California stallion Sir Prancealot, came from last to first to win a thrilling renewal of the Group II Sky Bet York Stakes. The pair were locked together from the two-furlong pole as the front-running Dark Moon Rising and Claymore gave way. Dubai Future, short of room for a while, soon weakened as the action centered around the stands’ rail. The winner, a 15/2 chance, was just about in front throughout the final furlong but there was rarely more than the winning distance of a nose between the principals. Sir Busker has six wins in 37 starts and earnings of $590,176. Now he has proved his stamina over the ten furlongs trip, Sir Busker has opened up a whole new avenue, probably starting with a return to York for the prestigious Juddmonte International, for which Betfair and Paddy Power cut him to 50/1 from 100s. “I’m very proud and just so pleased for the horse,” said Knight.... ...

CTBA Sale Grad Enters Sonoma Handicap

EDMONTON, Alberta (July 25, 2022) – California Thoroughbred Breeders Association January Sale graduate Addydidit is the lone California-bred entered in Friday’s $50,000 Sonoma Handicap for 3-year-old fillies at Century Mile. Addydidit is by Time to Get Even, out of the Gold Case mare Amorous Angie, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Tanner Walgenbach and trained by James Brown. The $12,000 purchase at the CTBA January Sale has two wins in 19 starts, earnings of $60,431 and is coming off a July 15 allowance win. ...

Wickerr Stakes Lures Indian Peak

DEL MAR, Calif. (July 21, 2022) – Multiple stakes winner Indian Peak is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Wickerr Stakes at Del Mar. Indian Peak is by Comic Strip, out of the Roar mare Ms. Booty, was bred by Dr. & Mrs. William Gray, is owned by Barber or Wachtel Stable and is trained by Peter Miller. He has six wins in 27 starts, earnings of $430,622 and is coming off a fifth in the Apr. 30 San Francisco Mile. ...

Windribbon Runs for Governor’s Stakes

AUBURN, Wash. (July 21, 2022) – Windribbon is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $50,000 Governor’s Stakes at Emerald Downs. Windribbon is by Sway Away, out of the Grand Reward mare Jumanah, was bred by owner Seamist Racing and is trained by Blaine Wright. He has four wins in 16 starts, earnings of $101,720 and is coming off a seventh in the June 26 Budweiser Stakes. He was third in this race last year. ...

Unlimiteddataplan Entered at Emerald

AUBURN, Wash. (July 21, 2022) – Unlimiteddataplan is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $50,000 Washington State Legislators Stakes for fillies and mares at Emerald Downs. Unlimiteddataplan is by Data Link, out of the Awesome Again mare Watusi, was bred by Richard Barton Stables, is owned by Angry Horse Racing Stable and trained by Alan Bozell. She has three wins in 18 starts, earnings of $30,925 and is coming off a July 8 claiming win. ...

TOC Annual Meeting at Del Mar August 13

From TOC DEL MAR, Calif. (July 21, 2022) — Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) invites all members to the Southern California Annual Meeting on Saturday, Aug. 13, at 8:30 a.m. in the Veranda Cafe at Del Mar Race Track. The general business meeting will allow directors an opportunity to bring the membership up to date on important issues and will include a question-and-answer session. Award presentations will also be made to the winners of the annual Owner Awards, and a complimentary buffet breakfast will be served. Reservations are required and can be made by clicking the button below. Your CHRB license must be current during the time of this event. ...

Santa Anita to Host 2023 Breeders’ Cup

From Santa Anita Publicity LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 21, 2022) — The Breeders’ Cup, one of Thoroughbred racing’s most prestigious international events, today announced that Santa Anita Park will host the 2023 Breeders’ Cup World Championships for a record 11th time. Next year will mark the 40th running of the Breeders’ Cup, where racing participants, horses, and fans from around the globe will convene at one of the world’s most picturesque racetracks for two days of championship racing. Located against the backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains in Arcadia, California, the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, consisting of 14 Grade 1 races with purses and awards totaling more than $31 million, will be held at 1/ST RACING’s Santa Anita Park on Friday, Nov. 3 and Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. “Santa Anita Park is an integral part of Breeders’ Cup history and is the perfect venue for our landmark 40th running,” said Drew Fleming, Breeders’ Cup President and CEO. “Since our founders conceived this season-ending championship four decades ago, the Breeders’ Cup has... ...

Sassyserb Takes Osunitas Shot

DEL MAR, Calif. (July 20, 2022) — Sassyserb is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Osunitas Stakes for fillies and mares at Del Mar. Sassyserb is by Circumference, out of the Rock Hard Ten mare Incredible Ten, was bred by John and Allegra Ernst and is trained by George Papaprodromou. Sassyserb has four wins in 19 starts, earnings of $239,395 and is coming off a second in the May 28 Fran’s Valentine. ...

Royal ‘n Rando Enters Oceanside

DEL MAR, Calif. (July 20, 3022) — Royal ‘n Rando is the lone California-bred entered in Friday’s $100,000 Oceanside Stakes for 3-year-olds on the Opening Day card at Del Mar. Royal ‘n Rando is by Tamarando, out of the Grand Slam mare Royal Grand Slam, was bred by owners Mr. & Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Steve Specht. He has five wins in 13 starts, earnings of $157,628 and is coming off a win in a July 1 optional claimer. ...

Josh Rubinstein Wins Ed Friendly Award

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (July 16, 2022) – Josh Rubinstein has been selected by the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) as recipient of the 2021 Ed Friendly Industry Service Award. The award is presented annually to recognize outstanding contributions and service in the Thoroughbred racing industry. Originally known as the TOC Chairman’s Award, it was renamed for the legendary television producer, thoroughbred owner, and TOC founding member following his death in 2007. Among former awardees are some of the most prominent names in Southern California racing, including Mace Siegel, John Harris, Bob and Beverly Lewis, Jerry and Ann Moss, and Clement Hirsch. Rubinstein is President and Chief Operating Officer of Del Mar Thoroughbred Club (DMTC), a position he has held since 2018. He has been with DMTC for 35 years and has held positions in communications, sales and marketing before being named Executive Vice President in 2013. He is currently on the board of directors of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA), the Thoroughbred Racing Association (TRA), the California Thoroughbred Horsemen’s... ...

CHRB Meeting Summary

From CHRB DEL MAR, Calif. (July 15, 2022) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a public meeting in Del Mar at the Del Mar Hilton on Thursday, July 14, 2022. Chairman Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Brenda Washington Davis and Thomas Hudnut. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: Chairman Ferraro reported on the meeting the previous day of the Medication, Safety, and Welfare Committee convened by himself and Commissioner Hudnut. The agenda focused on efforts to protect horses and riders, including proposed regulatory amendments focusing on horses with particular profiles that research indicates are at a greater risk of injury, particularly horses returning from layoffs. To that end, the Board approved for public notice three amendments detailing extensive procedures and requirements pertaining to racing and training soundness examinations and the reporting of same. Horses that have not raced or worked for extended periods, including 2-year-olds that have never raced or... ...

Fair Racing Returns to Sacramento

By DRF.com SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 12, 2022) — Since the coronavirus outbreak in March 2020, the Cal-Expo State Fair property in Sacramento, Calif., has been used for a variety of purposes – COVID testing, COVID vaccinations, and housing National Guard troops, among many things. While nighttime harness racing seasons have been held, there was no Thoroughbred racing in the summers of 2020 and 2021. Beginning Friday, the property resumes its traditional July role, hosting State Fair events on a daily basis through July 31, including a nine-day race meeting on a Friday-through-Sunday schedule. The resumption of racing at Cal Expo marks a return to a normal calendar for the Northern California fair circuit, which began last month at Pleasanton. Later this summer, fair racing will be held in Santa Rosa and Ferndale and in the fall at Fresno. In the past two years, the Cal-Expo racing dates were transferred to Pleasanton in 2020 and to Golden Gate Fields and Pleasanton in 2021. This year, the stable area at Sacramento has... ...

I Recall Edges Sibling to Win Vivacious

CINCINNATI, Ohio (July 15, 2022) – I Recall, an Ohio-bred daughter of California stallion Misremembered, won Friday’s $75,000 Vivacious Stakes for fillies and mares at Belterra Park. I Recall, a 5-year-old mare out of the With Distinction mare Real Distinctive, has five wins in 19 starts and earnings of $156,572. She is a half-sister to stakes winner Distinctive Flower, who finished second to her sibling in Friday’s race. I Recall ran the 1 1/16 miles on turf in 1:40.37 and won by a head at odds of 3-1. ...

Straight Luck Enters Texas Futurity

GRAND PRAIRIE, Tex. (July 10, 2022) – Straight Luck is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $150,000 Texas Thoroughbred Association Futurity for 2-year-olds at Lone Star Park. Straight Luck is by Straight Fire, out of the Excellent Art mare Luckfromabove, was bred by LNJ Foxwoods, is owned by Texas Thoroughbred Racing Club, Ronnie Bruce and Ryan Duffy and is trained by Danny Pish. He has one win in two starts, earnings of $26,180 and is coming off a June 25 maiden win. ...

Popular Kid Shows Up in Texas Turf Classic

GRAND PRAIRIE, Tex. (July 10, 2022) – Stakes winner Popular Kid is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $300,000 Texas Turf Classic Stakes at Lone Star Park. Popular Kid is by Popular, out of the Lemon Drop Kid mare Lemon Supreme, was bred by Rod and Lorraine Rodriguez, is owned by George Sharp and trained by Shawn Davis. He has 15 wins in 67 starts, earnings of $701,345 and is coming off a second in a June 16 optional claimer. ...

CHRB Meeting Advisory

From CHRB DEL MAR, Calif. (July 9, 2022) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct an in-person meeting on Thursday, July 14, 2022, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Del Mar Hilton. The Medication, Safety, and Welfare Committee will meet the previous day, Wednesday, July 13, beginning at 12 p.m., also at the Hilton. These meetings will be open to the public. Those providing unsolicited public comment on individual agenda items will be limited to two minutes. Comments must relate specifically to the agenda items. Note that for agenda item #12 of the Board meeting and item #5 of the committee meeting, Public Comment, no further comments will be permitted after 30 minutes. For those who do not attend, the webcast audio link on the CHRB website will provide a way for the public to listen to these meetings. The agenda and package of materials for the Board meeting and the agenda and package of materials for the committee meeting are available on the CHRB website. ...

Cal-bred Trio in Irish Day at Emerald Downs

AUBURN, Wash. (July 15, 2022) – California-breds Crystal Bandit, Mr. Mischief and Smoken Shadow are entered in $50,000 Irish Day Stakes for 3-year-old colts and geldings at Emerald Downs. Crystal Bandit is by Curlin to Mischief, out of the Marino Marini mare Fullofcuteness, was bred by West 12 Ranch, is owned by Cameron McVay and trained by Shannon Simpson. The $1,000 purchase at the CTBA January Sale has one win in eight starts, earnings of $29,954 and is coming off a fifth in a June 12 optional claimer. Mr. Mischief is by Curlin to Mischief, out of the Vronsky mare Khun Dots Varon, was bred by Bill Delia and Dr. Kim Kuhlmann and is owned by trainer Sergio Perez. He has two wins in four starts, earnings of $19,425 and is coming off a fourth in a July 3 optional claimer. Smoken Shadow is by shaman Ghost, out of the Smoke Glacken mare One Smokin’ Lady, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Kenneth or Vicki Jo Elison and... ...

Slow Down Andy Seeks Los Alamitos Double

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (July 6, 2022) – Owned by breeder J. Paul Reddam’s Reddam Racing LLC and trained by Doug O’Neill, California-bred Slow Down Andy will try to accomplish something Saturday at Los Alamitos no other horse has. The upset winner of the Grade II Los Alamitos Futurity during the 2021 Winter meet, the Nyquist colt out of the Square Eddie mare Edwina E will try to become the first thoroughbred to capture both the Futurity and the Los Alamitos Derby. Scheduled for 1 1/8 miles, the $125,000-guaranteed Derby, which will be run for the ninth time Saturday, attracted four other 3-year-olds. It will be run as the last of nine races on the next-to-last day of the Los Angeles County Fair meet. Post time is 2 p.m. and scheduled post time for the Derby is 5:58 p.m. In two races since defeating heavily-favored Messier in the Los Alamitos Futurity, Slow Down Andy finished sixth in the Grade II Risen Star at the Fair Grounds, then won... ...

E.B. Johnston Stakes Set for Autumn Festival

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (July 5, 2022) –Three stakes worth a guaranteed $225,000 will be run during the upcoming Autumn Festival at Los Alamitos, including the $75,000 E.B. Johnston at one mile for Cal-breds on Saturday, Sept. 17. The seven-day meet is scheduled to begin Friday, Sept. 16 and continue through Sunday, Sept. 25. Racing will be conducted Friday-Sunday (Sept. 16-18) the first week and Thursday-Sunday (Sept. 22-25) the final week. Post time will be 1 p.m. The remaining pair of stakes will be offered the final weekend of the meet. Older horses will compete in the $75,000 Los Alamitos Special at 1 1/16 miles Saturday, Sept. 24 and the closing day program Sunday, Sept. 25 will be headlined by the $75,000-guaranteed Capote for 2-year-olds at 6 ½ furlongs. ...

Becca Taylor Keeps Winning in Great Lady M.

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (July 4, 2022) – California-bred Becca Taylor won her second graded stakes in a span of 30 days when she defeated six rivals in the Grade II, $201,000 Great Lady M. Monday at Los Alamitos. The victory was the ninth in 10 starts- her lone loss came by a nose on turf earlier this year in the Irish O’Brien Stakes – for the 4-year-old daughter of Old Topper and the General Meeting mare Lady Sax and the $120,000 payday pushed her earnings $499,160. The two-length win by the 7-10 choice was the second stakes success of the meet for owner-breeder Nick Alexander and trainer Steve Miyadi. Nine days earlier, they had taken the $100,000 Bertrando with Desmond Doss. Becca Taylor, who is now 2-for-2 under jockey Juan Hernandez, broke well, disposed of longshot Brandon’smylawyer, who had the lead briefly out of the gate, before a quarter of a mile had been run, then repelled challenges from Elm Drive and Samurai Charm in the final... ...

Cool Mountain Lad Wins Oak Tree Sprint

By DRF.com PLEASANTON, Calif. (July 2, 2022) – Longshot Cool Mountain Lad ($21.80) held off fellow California-bred Ultimate Bango to win his first stakes in Saturday’s $75,900 Oak Tree Sprint Stakes at the Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton after 3-5 favorite Howbeit stumbled at the start and unseated jockey Evin Roman. Cool Mountain Lad, ridden by Pedro Terrero, avoided trouble and raced on the inside in the stretch, edging 9-2 Ultimate Bango, who was carried wide on the turn by a loose Howbeit. Carolina Mia (15-1) led in the stretch, but could not maintain the advantage and faded to finish third. Cool Mountain Lad is by Unionize, out of the Stormin Fever mare Honeysuckle Rose, was bred by Timothy Francis O’Leary, is owned by Lordan, O’Leary or Powers and is trained by Victor Trujillo. A 4-year-old gelding by Unionize, Cool Mountain Lad has six wins in 16 starts and earnings of $181,154. Aside from Howbeit, the unluckiest runners were War Games and Ultimate Bango, who was carried into the middle... ...

Parking Permit Seeks Fourth Straight Win

EDMONTON, Alberta (July 6, 2022) — Streaking Parking Permit is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Spangled Jimmy Handicap at Century Mile. Parking Permit is by James Street, out of the Eddington mare Rossi Reserve, was bred by Robert Harmon, is owned by Hurley Racing Stable and Deanna Walper and is trained by Walper. He has seven wins in 38 starts, earnings of $103,041 and has a three-race win streak. He was seventh in this race last year. ...

Regal Riot Wins Back-to-Back Stakes

VANCOUVER, B.C. (July 3, 2022) – Regal Riot, a British Columbian-bred son of California stallion Jersey Town, won Sunday’s $50,000 Chris Loseth Handicap for 3-year-olds at Hastings Racecourse. The winner is out of the On Target mare Regal Red and is a half-sibling to multiple stakes winner Wilo Kat. Regal Riot has three wins in five starts, earnings of $61,045 and was coming off a win in the June 11 Ross McLeod Stakes. He ran the 1 1/16 miles in 1:44.56 and won by three-quarters of a length at odds of 9-2. ...

It’s Turbo Entered in King County Express

AUBURN, Wash. (July 7, 2022) – It’s Turbo is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s King County Express Stakes for 2-year-old colts and geldings at Emerald Downs. It’s Turbo is by Curlin to Mischief, out of the Makors Mark mare Love Makor, was bred by Darlyne Krieg, is owned by R.E.V. Racing and is trained by Frank Lucarelli. He is a maiden making his second start. ...

Filly Electric Lettuce in Everett Nevin Stakes

By DRF.com PLEASANTON, Calif. (July 7, 2022) – Boys beware. California-bred Electric Lettuce is ready for her stakes debut in Saturday’s $75,000 Everett Nevin Stakes at the Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton, Calif., even if it means racing against males in her second start. “This is a logical step for us, outside of waiting for the race at Del Mar,” trainer Blaine Wright said Thursday. “Let’s see what she has to offer. It’s always better to race than work.” Electric Lettuce, a Cal-bred filly owned by the Roth family’s LNJ Foxwoods stable, is well suited for the $125,000 CTBA Stakes for 2-year-old statebred fillies on Aug. 7 at Del Mar. She fits with the field for the Nevin Stakes at 5 1/2 furlongs, too. The Nevin is the first stakes for juveniles in Northern California this year. By Straight Fire, Electric Lettuce won her debut at 2-5 by four lengths in a maiden special weight race for fillies at five furlongs on June 11 at Golden Gate Fields. Electric Lettuce led... ...

TOC Announces Executive Changes

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (June 30, 2022) — Thoroughbred Owners of California’s longest running board member, Jack Owens, and its executive director, Mary Forney, are set to retire on July 1, 2022. Owens, elected in this organization’s very first board of directors election in 1996, served six years as its Chairman. He also served as Vice Chairman representing Northern California, was Chairman of the Legislative and Government Affairs Committee, and was an active member of the Racing Affairs, Wagering, Bylaws Review, and Purse committees. An owner and breeder of Thoroughbreds for more than 30 years, Owens races predominately in Northern California. A graduate of Stanford, he has practiced law for more than 30 years, including as general counsel for Gallo Winery. His legal acumen has been invaluable to the TOC Board over the years, and he has worked tirelessly to advance and protect the interests of owners at the legislative and regulatory levels and in negotiations with other members of the... ...

Cashing Big Checks Enters Peach Blossom

WILMINGTON, Del. (June 30, 2022) – California Thoroughbred Breeders Association January Sale graduate Cashing Big Checks, already a stakes winner, is entered in Wednesday’s $50,000 Peach Blossom Stakes for fillies and mares at Delaware Park. Cashing Big Checks is by Mr. Big, out of the Indian Charlie mare Palisadesprincess, was bred by George Krikorian, is owned by Troy Johnson and Jagger and is trained by Jamie Ness. The $1,500 purchase at the CTBA January Sale has one win in five starts, earnings of $55,500 and is coming off a second in the June 22 Lewes Stakes. ...

Cal-breds Line Up in Oak Tree Sprint Stakes

PLEASANTON, Calif. (June 29, 2022) – Eight of the nine entrants in Saturday’s $75,000 Oak Tree Sprint Stakes at the Alameda County Fair are California-breds, including stakes winner Ultimate Bango. Carolina Mia is a mare by Gallant Son, out of the Sought After mare Carolina Grande, was bred by Daehling Ranch, is owned by Ruben Arechiga and trained by Felix Rondan. She has four wins in 18 starts, earnings of $150,332 and is coming off a second in the June 11 Albany Stakes. Darnquick is by Run Brother Ron, out of the Forest Camp mare Darncat, was bred by Clifford Plum, is owned by Casey Plum and trained by Efrain Miranda. He has six wins in 27 starts, earnings of $190,933 and in his last start stumbled and lost his jockey. He was third in this race last year. Psycho Dar is by Storm Wolf, out of the Maria’s Mon mare Stormin Mon, was bred by Liberty Road Stables, is owned by Mary Tucker and trained by Samuel Calvario. He... ...

Minister of Soul Enters Iowa Sprint

ALTOONA, Iowa (July 1, 2022) — Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Minister of Soul is the lone California-bred entered in Friday’s $100,000 Iowa Sprint Stakes at Prairie Meadows. Minister of Soul is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Bernstein mare Sensitive Soul, was bred by Dahlberg Farms and is owned by trainer Esteban Martinez. The $16,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has 14 wins in 41 starts, earnings of $398,710 and is coming off a fourth in the May 25 Honor The Hero Stakes. ...

Win Machine Becca Taylor in Great Lady M.

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. – Owner-breeder Nick Alexander and trainer Steve Miyadi will try for their second stakes win of the Los Angeles County Fair meet when they send out Becca Taylor in the $200,000-guaranteed Great Lady M. Monday at Los Alamitos. A Grade II for fillies and mares – 3-year-olds & up – at 6 ½ furlongs, the Great Lady M. is the final of nine races on the special Fourth of July program. Post time is 1 p.m. and scheduled post time for the main event is 4:58 p.m. Alexander and Miyadi, who won the Bertrando Stakes for a second year in a row with Desmond Doss June 25, will see if Becca Taylor can win for the ninth time in 10 starts and pick up her second graded victory. The talented 4-year-old daughter of Old Topper and the General Meeting mare Lady Sea captured the Grade III Desert Stormer June 4 at Santa Anita. An earner of $379,160, Becca Taylor is a nose away from... ...

Becca Taylor Nominated to Great Lady M.

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (June 29, 2022) — Four graded stakes winners, including the talented California-bred Becca Taylor, are among 15 fillies and mares nominated to the Grade II, $200,000-guaranteed Great Lady M. Stakes while Santa Anita Derby winner Taiba is among 10 3-year-olds nominated to the $125,000 Los Alamitos Derby. The two races will be run for the ninth time at Los Alamitos. The Great Lady M., which is run at 6 ½ furlongs, will be offered Monday, July 4 while the Los Alamitos Derby, which goes at 1 1/8 miles, will be run Saturday, July 9. Owned by breeder Nick Alexander and trained by Steve Miyadi – who combined to win the Bertrando Stakes with Desmond Doss for a second consecutive year June 25 – Becca Taylor has won eight of nine starts and banked $379,160. A daughter of Old Topper and the General Meeting mare Lady Sax, Becca Taylor collected her first graded victory when taking the Grade III Desert Stormer June 4 at Santa... ...

Fowler Blue Re-routed to Indiana Derby

SHELBYVILLE, Ind. (July 4, 2022) – Fowler Blue, who scratched out of last Saturday’s $200,000 American Derby for 3-year-olds at Churchill Downs, is the lone California-bred entered in this Saturday’s $300,000 Grade III Indiana Derby for 3-year-olds at Horseshoe Indianapolis. Fowler Blue is by Curlin to Mischief, out of the Unusual Heat mare Roses for Joni, was bred by William Branch & Arnold Hill, is owned by Branch and trained by Doug O’Neill. He has two wins in 11 starts, earnings of $107,684 and is coming off a sixth in the May 30 Texas Derby. ...

Maybe I Will Definitely Wins Hastings Stakes

From Emerald Downs Publicity AUBURN, Wash. (June 26, 2022) – In the $50,000 Hastings Stakes for older fillies and mares, California-bred invader Maybe I Will outfinished 2021 Washington Horse of the Year Blazingbellablu and scored a neck victory in 1:08.38 for six furlongs at Emerald Downs. With Kevin Orozco riding at 120 lbs. for trainer Blaine Wright and owner/breeder Tom Bachman, Maybe I Will paid $12, $6, and $4.40 as fourth betting choice in a field of seven. Maybe I Will pressed the pace outside of fellow Cal-breds Ima Happy Cat and Daffodil Sweet through a half-mile in :44.21, took the lead into the lane, and then outfinished Blazingbellablu in an extended drive to the wire. Blazingbellablu rallied into contention inside and just missed scoring a victory in her season debut for trainer/co-owner Charles Essex. Ridden by Alex Cruz at 119 lbs., Blazingbellablu paid $5.20 and $3.20. Daffodil Sweet, the 9 to 5 favorite ridden by Juan Gutierrez at high weight of 123 lbs., was a half-length back in third... ...

Conquest Fahrenheit Has First Winner

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (June 26, 2022) – Harris Farms’ freshman sire and graded-placed stakes winner Conquest Farenheit sired his first winner when his daughter Rose Girl prevailed at Los Alamitos Race Course in her second start June 26. Bred by Craig Martin in California out of the stakes-placed Swiss Yodeler daughter Swissarella , Rose Girl was sold by Lovacres Ranch at this year’s California Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Winter Mixed Sale for $25,000 to Tari Brocklebank. The filly wound up racing for owner Dan Northrup and is trained by Luis Menez. Rose Girl was unplaced in her debut June 3 at Santa Anita Park but was more focus at Los Alamitos, where she broke sharply and was in contention early. She prevailed three-quarters of a length in a final time of :58.02. Swissarella is the most successful runner out of the Doneraile Court winner Donerella. She has a yearling colt by Stay Thirsty and produced a filly this year by Ez Effort . Conquest Farenheit is an 8-year-old son of Scat Daddy who won his debut at 2 at Woodbine and followed with... ...

Trainer Thomas Bell Jr. Passes at Age 93

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. – Former Southern California trainer Thomas Bell Jr. died Friday from complications of a recent fall, according to his son, trainer Ray Bell. Thomas Bell was 93. Born in Brooklyn, Thomas Bell hailed from a racing family. His father, Thomas Bell Sr., trained and was later a bloodstock agent. Thomas Bell Jr. began training in 1951 and trained such prominent runners as Barberstown, Rumbo, and Silver Eagle. “He dedicated his life to the business,” Ray Bell said Sunday. Rumbo won a division of the Santa Catalina Stakes at Santa Anita in February 1980 and was later second in the Santa Anita Derby and Hollywood Derby in early spring before finishing second to the famous filly Genuine Risk in the Kentucky Derby. Later that year, Rumbo won the Golden State Breeders Sires Stakes at Hollywood Park and the Lawrence Realization Stakes at Belmont Park. Silver Eagle won the 1979 Carleton Burke Handicap at Santa Anita, beating John Henry. The following year, Silver Eagle won the San Luis Obispo Handicap at Santa Anita. Barberstown... ...

Desmond Doss Repeats in Bertrando Stakes

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif (June 25, 2022) – Heavily-favored Desmond Doss made it consecutive scores in the $100,000 Bertrando Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles, defeating Fashionably Fast and two others Saturday, opening day of the Los Angeles County Fair meet at Los Alamitos. Owned by breeder Nick Alexander and trained by Steve Miyadi, the 6-year-old son of Grazen and the Malek mare Malley Girl earned his seventh win in 19 starts and pushed his bankroll to $422,341. On the lead for the majority of the one-mile race for 3-year-olds & up bred or sired in California, Desmond Doss completed the distance in 1:36.31 under jockey Juan Hernandez. The 1-2 favorite, who prevailed by three-quarters of a length, returned $3 and $2.20. There was no show wagering after Johnny Podres, also owned by breeder Alexander and trained by Miyadi, was scratched earlier in the day. The place price on Fashionably Fast, who wound up six lengths clear of 10-1 shot Irish Heatwave as the 3-1 second choice, was... ...

Tam’s Little Angel Wins She’s a Tiger

By DRF.com PLEASANTON, Calif. (June 25, 2022) – California-bred Tam’s Little Angel set a slow pace and held off a late threat from Buyback to win her first stakes in Saturday’s $77,250 She’s a Tiger Stakes for fillies and mares at the Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton, Calif. Tam’s Little Angel, by Tamarando, races for owners and breeders Larry and Marianne Williams and trainer Steve Specht. Tam’s Little Angel has won 4 of 10 starts and earned $155,972. Ridden by Catalino Martinez, Tam’s Little Angel race 1 1/16 miles in 1:44.91 for her third win in her last four starts. The winning streak was disrupted by a third-place finish in the Campanile Stakes for statebred 3-year-old fillies at a mile on turf on May 1. Tam’s Little Angel won allowance races at Golden Gate Fields on April 3 and May 22 in the spring. In the She’s a Tiger Stakes, Tam’s Little Angel ($18.60) was helped by a slow pace of 24.44 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 48.62 for... ...

Ms. Stanford vs. Boys in Spaghetti Mouse

VANCOUVER, B.C. (June 26, 2022) – California-bred Ms. Stanford takes on the boys in Friday’s $50,000 Spaghetti Mouse Stakes for 2-year-olds at Hastings Racecourse. Ms. Stanford is by Stanford, out of the Free At Last mare Freeliena, was bred by owner Mauro Comensoli and is trained by Dino Condilenios. She is a maiden making her second start with earnings of $1,535. ...

Desmond Doss Seeks Bertrando Repeat

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (June 22, 2022) — A 6-year-old son of Grazen owned and bred by Nick Alexander, Desmond Doss will try to defend his title in the one-mile Bertrando Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Los Alamitos on Saturday, Opening Day of the Los Angeles County Fair meet. Trained by Steve Miyadi, the gray, who is out of the Malek mare Malley Girl, won the 2021 renewal by a half-length over longshot Tom’s Surprise. If Desmond Doss is successful Saturday, he will join Soi Phet as the only two-time winner of the race. Soi Phet won the inaugural Bertrando in 2014 and scored again in 2018. No worse than third in four starts at the Bertrando distance, Desmond Doss, who comes off a victory in the Thor’s Echo May 28 at Santa Anita in his 2022 debut, has won six of 18 and banked $361,141. Alexander and Miyadi also entered Johnny Podres. The 5-year-old son of Grazen and the Harlan’s Holiday mare Malibu Holiday is 3-for-22... ...

She’s a Tiger Stakes Lures Cal-bred Quartet

PLEASANTON, Calif. (June 22, 2022) – California-breds Tam’s Little Angel, Misty Cat, La Vikina and Reiwa are entered in Saturday’s $75,000 She’s a Tiger Stakes for fillies and mares at the Alameda County Fair. Tam’s Little Angel is by Tamarando, out of the Lucky Pulpit mare Angel Diane, was bred by owners Mr. & Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Steve Specht. She has three wins in nine starts, earnings of $110,972 and is coming off a win in a May 22 optional claimer. Misty Cat is by Bluegrass Cat, out of the Bob and John mare Play Misty for Us, was bred by BKB Stables and is owned by trainer Daniel Franko. She has three wins in 29 starts, earnings of $120,698 and is coming off a seventh in a June 10 optional claimer. La Vikina is by Many Rivers, out of the Roman Ruler mare Roman Angel, was bred by owner Julio Enciso and is trained by Isidro Tamayo. She has four wins in 17 starts, earnings... ...

Ima Happy Cat Seeks Third Hastings Win

AUBURN, Wash. (June 23, 2022) – Two-time winner of the race Ima Happy Cat, fellow stakes winner Daffodil Sweet and fellow California-bred Maybe I Will are entered in Sunday’s $50,000 Hastings Stakes for fillies and mares at Emerald Downs. Ima Happy Cat is by is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Wekiva Springs mare Infernal McGoon, was bred by Dale Mahlum, is owned by Sue & Tim Spooner and trained by Dan Markle. She has 10 wins in 34 starts, earnings of $318,239 and is coming off a win in a May 22 optional claimer. She won this race last year and in 2019. Daffodil Sweet is by is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Lion Heart mare Easy On My Heart, was bred by Michael Terry, is owned by One Horse Will Do Corp., Chris Stenslie and Mutiny Bay Backstretch and is trained by Niccolo Trojani. She has nine wins in 16 starts, earnings of $177,171 and is coming off a second in a June 12 optional claimer.... ...

Budweiser Stakes on Tap for Windribbon

AUBURN, Wash. (June 23, 2022) – Windribbon is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $50,000 Budweiser Stakes at Emerald Downs. Windribbon is by Sway Away, out of the Grand Reward mare Jumanah, was bred by owner Seamist Racing and is trained by Blaine Wright. He has four wins in 15 starts, earnings of $101,420 and is coming off a third in a May 28 optional claimer. ...

Bill Nader Named President/CEO of TOC

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (June 21, 2022) – Bill Nader has agreed to join the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) as President and Chief Executive Officer, the organization announced today. Nader’s appointment will take effect in October of this year. He succeeds Greg Avioli who resigned earlier this year. Nader, 64, joins the TOC from the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), where he has held senior executive positions since 2007. Prior to that, Nader was the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the New York Racing Association, where he was employed from 1994-2007. “Given his experience both domestically and internationally and the respect he commands across the Thoroughbred racing industry, we could not be more pleased to announce Bill Nader as our President and CEO,” said TOC Chairman Gary Fenton. “California has been at the forefront of historic industry changes the last few years, and Bill’s appointment is another forward-thinking step. The future of California racing has never been brighter.” “I look forward to working together with everyone... ...

Absolutely Zero

Absolutely Zero wins $150,000 Fasig-Tipton Futurity. ...

Desmond Doss Among Bertrando Nominees

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (June 18, 2022) –Defending champion Desmond Doss tops the nominees to the $100,000-guaranteed Bertrando Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Los Alamitos. The one-mile race for 3-year-olds & up bred or sired in California will be run Saturday, June 25, opening day of the Los Angeles County Fair meet at Los Alamitos. The nine-day LACF season will continue through Sunday, July 10. Owned by breeder Nick Alexander and trained by Steve Miyadi, Desmond Doss defeated Tom’s Surprise by a half-length to win the 2021 Bertrando last June 26. A 6-year-old son of Grazen and the Malek mare Malley Girl, Desmond Doss has won six of 18 and earned $361,341. Desmond Doss will try to become the second double winner of the Betrando. Soi Phet won the inaugural running in 2014 and scored again in 2018. Miyadi also nominated Johnny Podres and Claim of Passion. Clayton Delaney, who broke his maiden for Alexander and trainer Phil D’Amato during the 2020 Summer meet, was also... ...

Absolutely Zero Beats the Boys in Futurity

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 18, 2022)—Reddam Racing’s Absolutely Zero opted to take on the boys Saturday at Santa Anita and she answered the call, turning back a determined effort from her stablemate Tahoma to take the $100,000 Fasig-Tipton Futurity by one length, getting five furlongs in 59.09 under Mario Gutierrez. Trained by Doug O’Neill, who was out of town to saddle his multiple stakes winning Hot Rod Charlie to a second-place finish today at Monmouth Park, Absolutely Zero, a California-bred filly by Reddam and O’Neill’s 2016 Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist, could have run earlier in the day against fillies in the $100,000 Fasig-Tipton Debutante, but the decision was made to face males at the same distance. Quick from the blocks and head and head into and around the far turn with Midnight Lightning, Absolutely Zero showed tremendous heart as she repelled a stiff challenge to her outside from Tahoma the final eighth of a mile. “She’s not the fastest out of the gate (but) today she broke... ...

Son of Sir Prancealot Wins in China

YULONG, China (June 21, 2022) – Yong Qiang Xuan Feng, a 7-year-old Irish-bred son of California stallion Sir Prancealot, won a sprint handicap race at Yulong Jockey Club in China on Friday. The winner, out of the Tagula mare Jumbo Romance, ran the 1200 meters in 1:19.14. ...

Cashing Big Checks Returns at Delaware

WILMINGTON, Del. (June 20, 2022) – CTBA January Sale graduate Cashing Big Checks is the lone California-bred entered in Wednesday’s $50,000 Lewes Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Delaware Park. Cashing Big Checks is by Mr. Big, out of the Indian Charlie mare Palisadesprincess, was bred by George Krikorian, is owned by Troy Johnson and Jagger Inc. and is trained by Jamie Ness. The $1,500 purchase at the CTBA January Sale has one win in four starts, earnings of $45,500 and is making her first start since a seventh in the Oct. 13 White Clay Creek Stakes. She broke her maiden winning the Blue Hen Stakes last Aug. 25. ...

Mind Control Edges Hot Rod Charlie

By Bloodhorse.com OCEANPORT, N.J. (June 18, 2022) — Hot Rod Charlie was the 1-5 favorite when they sprang the gate June 18 for the $147,500 Salvatore Mile Stakes (G3) at Monmouth Park, but he encountered an undaunted foe in Red Oak Stable and Madaket Stable’s Mind Control, a Kentucky-bred by California stallion Stay Thirsty. The 2-1 second choice in a five-horse field, Mind Control gave Hot Rod Charlie more than he could handle in the final sixteenth of the mile test Saturday, upsetting him by a head in a photo finish. After setting the pace under John Velazquez through a quarter in :23.60, a half in :46.66, and three-quarters in 1:11.18 with Hot Rod Charlie and Mike Smith tracking along to their outside, it looked like the 6-year-old son of Stay Thirsty would finish second as Hot Rod Charlie loomed off the turn for home. But after the two hit the head of the lane in a ding-dong battle to the wire with Hot Rod Charlie poking a nose in front, Mind Control surged back relentlessly... ...

CHRB Meeting Summary

From CHRB PLEASANTON, Calif. (June 17, 2022) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a public meeting in Pleasanton at the Alameda County Fairgrounds on Thursday, June 16, 2022. The public participated in person and also listened to the meeting through an audio link on the CHRB website. Chairman Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Damascus Castellanos, Brenda Washington Davis, and Thomas Hudnut. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: The Board continued setting the stage for the July 1 arrival of federal oversight of horse racing, first by authorizing staff to institute a concussion protocol to comply with the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) and the voluntary implementation agreement. Executive Director Scott Chaney reported that baseline concussion assessments of all jockeys in California are in the process of being conducted by Dr. David Seftel, the track physician at Golden Gate Fields, who is a concussion expert. The Board... ...

Retired Trainer Tim Arterburn Passes at 62

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 17, 2022) — Condolences to the family of retired trainer Tim Arterburn, who passed away recently at age 62. The son of former jockey and trainer Jack Arterburn, Tim was primarily based in Northern California, as was his father and brother, trainer Lonnie Arterburn, who bred Hall of Fame gelding Lava Man along with Kim Kuhlman. Tim Arterburn’s sister Tami, is married to retired HOF jockey Russell Baze. ...

Alameda County Fair Meet Opens Friday

By DRF.com PLEASANTON, Calif. (June 15, 2022) — The Northern California fair circuit begins Friday with a four-week season at the Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton. This year, the event will truly have a county fair atmosphere. For the first time since 2019, the Pleasanton meet will coincide with a full schedule of county fair events. The 2020 Pleasanton race meeting was held without fans because of the COVID pandemic. Last year, Pleasanton raced in the summer, but the county fair events were held in the autumn. Last autumn, customers consumed 20,000 corn dogs and more than 8,000 funnel cakes. It is anyone’s guess whether those figures will be surpassed between Friday’s start and closing day on July 10. Pleasanton is the first of five fair meetings in the northern half of the state in the summer and fall. The California State Fair in Sacramento meeting will be held from mid-July to early August, followed by the Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa in early August, the Humboldt County Fair... ...

Tom’s Regret Returns in F-T Debutante

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 15, 2022)—Unbeaten in two starts, trainer Jorge Periban’s Tom’s Regret returns to Santa Anita as she heads a field of seven juvenile fillies going five furlongs in Saturday’s $100,000 Fasig-Tipton Debutante. Bred in California by DP Racing, Tom’s Regret was sold for a bargain $20,000 as a yearling and has now amassed earnings of $141,105. An 11 ½ lengths first-out maiden winner versus statebred fillies at odds of 1-2 going 4 ½ furlongs on April 15, she was subsequently off as the 2-1 favorite versus males in the ungraded Kentucky Juvenile going five furlongs at Churchill Downs May 5, a race she dominated early and won by one length. Owned by Griffin Stables, LLC, Saul Carillo, Victor Flores and Eugene Zondlo, Tom’s Regret is out of the Quality Road mare Pure. With Tyler Baze back aboard, Tom’s Regret figures to be a short price at post time. Owned and bred in California by Mr. and Mrs. Larry D. Williams, the Steve Specht-trained Rousing... ...

Absolutely Zero Meets Boys in F-T Futurity

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 15, 2022)—A scintillating first-out maiden winner, Paul Reddam’s homebred filly Absolutely Zero looms the horse to beat as she takes on eight males going five furlongs in Saturday’s $100,000 Fasig-Tipton Futurity at Santa Anita. Trained by Doug O’Neill, California-bred Absolutely Zero, a daughter of Reddam’s 2016 Kentucky Derby winning Nyquist, was most impressive in breaking her maiden here going 4 ½ furlongs versus five fillies by 1 ¾ lengths on May 21 as the 3-5 favorite, earning a lofty 67 Beyer Speed Figure. Out of the multiple stakes winning Square Eddie mare How About Zero, has one work since her maiden win, a half mile in 48.40 here on June 11. By a red-hot sire and fresh off a dazzling first-out maiden score, Absolutely Zero figures to be a short price with Mario Gutierrez riding back. Trainer Steve Knapp’s California-bred Midnight Lightning, an impressive 1 ¼ length maiden winner going five furlongs in his second start on June 4, wheels back quickly with regular rider Ramon... ...

Longtime Horseman Russell Drake, 81, Passes

By Bloodhorse.com BUELLTON, Calif. (June 15, 2022) — Russell Drake, who managed Martin and Pam Wygod’s River Edge Farm in Buellton, Calif., for 43 years, died March 16 at age 81. Retired since 2018, Drake at River Edge oversaw the stallion careers of such sires as Bertrando , Pirate’s Bounty, Benchmark , and Tribal Rule. Born in Tucumcari, N.M., Drake grew up on a ranch and moved to California in the 1950s. He first worked for California horseman Bill Foy at George and Ruth Thomas’ Thomas Thoroughbred Farm in Glendora, Calif., and went with Foy to Connie Ring’s Three Rings Ranch in Beaumont, Calif. There he worked with Richard Mandella before Mandella became a trainer. Drake went on to manage Alexander and Heloise Power’s farm in Julian, Calif. During those years he also helped California agent Vic Heerman prep and show horses at major sales in Kentucky and New York. During one sale Drake met oil magnate George F. Getty II and Claiborne Farm owner A.B. (Bull) Hancock II. “Vic had a certain way of how... ...

CTBA Winter Sale Grad Enters Chariot Chaser

EDMONTON, Alberta (June 15, 2022) – CTBA Winter Mixed Sale graduate Addydidit is the lone California-bred entered in Friday’s $50,000 Chariot Chaser Handicap for 3-year-old fillies at Century Mile Racetrack. Addydidit is by Time to Get Even, out of the Gold Case mare Amorous Angie, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Tanner Walgenbach and is trained by James Brown. The $12,000 purchase from the CTBA Winter Mixed Sale has one win in 16 starts, earnings of $46,712 and is coming off a fourth in a June 3 optional claimer. ...

Bertrando Stakes at Los Alamitos June 25

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (June 15, 2022) – The $100,000 Bertrando Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles, to be run on Opening Day Saturday, June 25, is one of three stakes worth a combined $425,000 highlighting the 2022 Los Angeles County Fair meet at Los Alamitos. The nine-day season will begin Saturday, June 25 and continue through Sunday, July 10. Racing will be conducted Saturday-Sunday the first week (June 25-26), Friday-Monday (July 1-4) the middle week and Friday-Sunday (July 8-10). the final week. Post time will be 2 p.m. The richest of the stakes races is the Grade II, $200,000-guaranteed Great Lady M. Stakes. The race at 6 ½ furlongs for fillies and mares – 3-year-olds & up – will be offered Monday, July 4. The other stakes event is the $125,000 Los Alamitos Derby for 3-year-olds at 1 1/8 miles. The Derby will be offered Saturday, July 9. Grandstand admission is $3 and $2 for seniors 62 and older. Admission to Burgart’s and Vessels Club is $10.... ...

Tiger Dad Enters Dark Star Turf Sprint

SHAKAPEE, Minn. (June 15 2022) – Multiple stakes winner Tiger Dad is the lone California-bred entered in Wednesday’s $100,000 Dark Star Turf Sprint Stakes at Canterbury Park. Tiger Dad is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Unusual Heat mare Q T Shea, was bred by Dark Devereaux, Scott Gross & Mark Gross, is owned by Rosette Racing and trained by Robertino Diodoro. He has seven wins in 27 starts, earnings of $436,727 and is coming off a fourth in the May 25 Brooks Fields Stakes. ...

Ax Man Coasts to Jim Rasmussen Win

ALTOONA, Iowa (June 12, 2022) – Ax Man, a Kentucky-bred son of California stallion Misremembered won Saturday’s $50,000 Jim Rasmussen Stakes at Prairie Meadows. Ax Man, a 7-year-old gelding out of the Flying Chevron mare Shameful, has eight wins in 21 starts and earnings of $398,455. He ran the 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.40 and won by four lengths at odds of 8-1. ...

Give Me the Lute

Give Me the Lute wins $50,000 Albany Stakes. ...

Regal Riot Captures Ross McLeod Stakes

VANCOUVER, B.C. (June 11, 2022) – Regal Riot, a British Columbian-bred by California stallion Jersey Town, won Saturday’s $50,000 Ross McLeod Stakes for 3-year-old colts and geldings at Hastings Racecourse. Regal Riot, out of the multiple stakes-winning On Target mare Regal Red, ran the 6 ½ furlongs in 1:17.23 on a fast track and won by a neck at odds of 8-1. He has two wins in four starts and earnings of $38,171. ...

Give Me the Lute Repeats in Albany

From Golden Gate Publicity ALBANY, Calif. (June 11, 2022) — California-bred defending champion Give Me the Lute won Saturday’s $50,000 Albany Stakes at Golden Gate, setting the pace before outfinishing his competition to win the five-furlong contest by a narrow margin. Dueling on the lead from the outside post with fourth-place finisher Away From the Sun, the two aforementioned rivals clicked off the opening quarter mile in a sizzling hot 20.83 seconds. Into the far turn, Give Me the Lute cleared off on the lead and turned for home with a length and a half advantage. He hit the furlong pole still in front, completing the half mile in 44.52 seconds. In midstretch, 5-year-old mare Carolina Mia pounced from a stalking position and moved up to battle for the win with Give Me Lute. Give Me the Lute dug in gamely on the inside of the battle and turned away the challenge from Carolina Mia in the final 50 yards. Guided to victory by jockey Irving Orozco, Give Me the... ...

CHRB Meeting Advisory

From CHRB PLEASANTON, Calif. (June 10, 2022) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct an in-person meeting on Thursday, June 16, 2022, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Off-Track Betting Facility in Pleasanton. This meeting will be open to the public. BE ADVISED: THE Health Officer of the County of Alameda requires all individuals within the County of Alameda – regardless of vaccination status or history of prior COVID-19 illness – to wear face coverings when indoors in workplaces and other indoor public settings, with limited exemptions. Those providing unsolicited public comment on individual agenda items will be limited to two minutes. Comments must relate specifically to the agenda items. Note that for agenda item #12 of the Board meeting, Public Comment, no further comments will be permitted after 30 minutes. For those who do not attend, the webcast audio link on the CHRB website will provide a way for the public to listen to these meetings. The agenda and package of materials for the meeting are available on the CHRB website. ...

Fast Draw Munnings Enters Affirmed Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (June 8, 2022) – California Cup Derby winner Fast Draw Munnings is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III Affirmed Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Fast Draw Munnings is by Munnings, out of the Bedford Falls mare Zuzu’s Petals, was bred by Glenn Porter, is owned by Red Baron’s Barn and Rancho Temescal and is trained by Jeff Mullins. He has two wins in six starts, earnings of $181,864 and is coming off a third in a May 8 optional claimer. ...

Leggs Galore Gets Acid Test at Belmont

ELMONT, N.Y. (June 7, 2022) – California-bred Leggs Galore brings a three-stakes win streak into Saturday’s $500,000 Grade I Just a Game Stakes for fillies and mares at one mile on the Belmont Park turf course. Leggs Galore is by Bayern, out of the Indian Charlie mare Cashing Tickets, was bred by owner William Sims and is trained by Phil D’Amato. Three of Leggs Galore’s four rivals in the race are trained by Chad Brown — Regal Glory, Speak of the Devil and In Italian. She has nine wins in 14 starts, earnings of $621,588 and is coming off a win in the May 21 Mizdirection. She won the Grade II Monrovia at this distance on turf at Santa Anita Mar. 5. ...

Ultimate Bango, Give Me the Lute in Albany

ALBANY, Calif. (June 8, 2022) – Stakes winner Ultimate Bango and defending champion Give Me the Lute are entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Albany Stakes at Golden Gate. War Games is by Cyclotron, out of the One Man Army mare Myra G, was bred by Bruce Headley, is owned by Barbara DeLima and trained by Cliff DeLima. He has seven wins in 18 starts, earnings of $173,882 and is coming off a ninth in the May 30 All American. Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Big Duke is by Phantom Wildcat, out of the Orientate mare Time On My Hands, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Hesselein, Munoz, Rainford and Williams and is trained by Sergio Ledezma. The $1,200 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has five wins in 14 starts, earnings of $152,080 and is making his first start since a fifth in a Sept. 3 optional claimer. Ultimate Bango is by Uh Oh Bango, out of the Cee’s Tizzy mare Ultimate Summer, was bred by Mitchell... ...

Square Eddie Filly Sells for $140,000

OCALA, Fla. (June 7, 2022) – A California-bred daughter of Square Eddie sold for $140,000 at Tuesday’s opening session of the Ocala Breeders’ Sale June 2-Year-Olds Sale. The filly, out of the Momentum mare Puff Pastry, was bred by Reddam Racing, consigned by Wavertree Stables, agent, and purchased by Mike Akers, agent. In the pre-sale under-tack work, she sped one furlong in :10 seconds. She is a full sister to Square Peggy, a stakes-placed winner of $276,504. ...

Purse Boost for Pair of Golden State Stakes

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 6, 2022)—Santa Anita’s 18-day Autumn Meet, which opens Friday, Sept. 30, will be highlighted by a total of 26 stakes, 15 of them graded. Overnight purses remain the same as last year. Most all stakes purses are the same as in 2021, with the following exceptions. Both the Golden State Juvenile and the Golden State Juvenile Fillies have had their purses increased from $150,000 to $175,000, while the Unzip Me and the Anoakia now have purses of $85,000—up from $75,000 last year. Additionally, two restricted stakes, the Swingtime and the Lure, now offer purse money of $80,000, up $10,000 each. A total of four California-bred Stakes, the California Distaff ($125,000) on Oct. 15; the California Flag ($125,000) on Oct. 16; the Golden State Juvenile ($175,000) on Oct. 29 and the Golden State Juvenile Fillies ($175,000) on Oct. 29, will again provide local owners and breeders’ ample added money opportunities through closing day, Nov. 6. The 2022 Autumn Meet Stakes Schedule will include five... ...

Teddy’s Barino Reaps Cal-bred Incentives

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 5, 2022)—Taking full advantage of a California-bred incentive program that allows horses to run at the same allowance condition they’ve already won at, providing they’re changing surfaces, Mark Glatt’s Teddy’s Barino stretched out nicely for the first time to register a neck victory in Sunday’s $69,000 Santa Anita allowance feature. Ridden by Mike Smith, Teddy’s Barino got one mile on turf in 1:35.45. Settling nicely from her outside post position in the run to the Club House turn, Teddy’s Barino was a comfortable second to Ghostem up the backside and was two lengths back with three furlongs to run. With Smith sitting motionless, Teddy’s Barino moved to engage the leader a quarter mile out, made the lead turning for home and just held sway over Eleuthera to her inside and Big Clare and Hot On the Trail to her outside with the top four finishers separated by a neck and two noses on the wire. “I think this filly is better on dirt,... ...

Women’s Summit at Santa Anita Sept. 28-30

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (June 4, 2022) — The inaugural Horse Racing Women’s Summit (HRWS) has been confirmed for September 28-30 at Santa Anita Park. The multi-day event aims to bring together people from all facets of the horse racing industry with the mission of connecting and empowering women in horse racing. To that tune, Susan Packard, an entrepreneur and co-founder of popular TV channels like CNBC, HGTV and Food Network, has been announced as the keynote speaker for this exciting new event. Originally a vision of Stephanie Hronis, the Committee Chair for the Horse Racing Women’s Summit, the event started out as an idea to connect women in California, but when it quickly gathered national attention, the decision to expand was obvious. The HRWS planning committee now has bi-coastal representation and is being designed to embrace a national group of participants. “On behalf of our Horse Racing Women’s Summit planning team, we are excited to offer this summit and honored to have Susan Packard as our keynote speaker for this... ...

Becca Taylor

Becca Taylor wins $100,000 Grade III Desert Stormer. ...

Becca Taylor Adds Graded Stakes to Resume

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (June 6, 2022) — It still surprises owner and breeder Nick Alexander that his 4-year-old filly Becca Taylor is not unbeaten after nine starts. Running in her first graded stakes, Becca Taylor won Saturday’s Grade 3 Desert Stormer Stakes for fillies and mares at six furlongs at Santa Anita, her first start here since a nose loss in the Irish O’Brien Stakes on the hillside turf course in March. “I’d like to see the photo,” Alexander said with a smile. Becca Taylor, trained by Steve Miyadi, won her third stakes in the $98,000 Desert Stormer. The 3-5 favorite ridden by leading jockey Juan Hernandez, Becca Taylor was always near the front and pulled clear to win by 2 1/2 lengths. “We had the leading rider, the outside post, and I was still nervous,” Alexander said. “Juan said he had a lot of horse on the backstretch.” Becca Taylor is likely to start in the Grade 2 Great Lady M. Stakes for fillies and mares at 6 1/2... ...

NorCal Sale Graduate Crushes in Debut

ARCADIA, Calif. (June 3, 2022) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Ceiling Crusher won at first asking in Friday’s first race at Santa Anita, a $68,000 maiden special weight race for state-bred 2-year-old fillies. The daughter of Mr. Big, out of the Indian Charlie mare Palisadesprincess, was bred by Harris Farms, is owned by Dan Northrup and trained by Luis Mendez. She was a $22,000 purchase at last year’s Northern California Yearling Sale by Tari Brocklebank, agent. Sent off as the 8-5 favorite, Ceiling Crusher ran the five furlongs in :58.70 and won by 4 ¾ lengths in a field of seven. This year’s Northern California Yearling Sale will be held Tuesday, Aug. 9, at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton. ...

Kevin Habell Memorial Service June 4

BONSALL, Calif. (Jan. 6, 2022) – A memorial service has been rescheduled for Saturday, June 4 at San Luis Rey Training Center for that facility’s longtime general manager, Kevin Habell. The service will be held at 2 p.m. in the Thoroughbred Room. Habell, who died last November 20 at age 61, was among those honored by the Race Track Chaplaincy of America for their heroic efforts when the Lilac Fire engulfed San Luis Rey Training Center Dec. 7, 2017 and killed 46 horses. In addition to his role at San Luis Rey, Habell served for nearly three decades as the stable manager for the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association’s Del Mar and Northern California Yearling Sales. ...

Becca Taylor Seeks First Graded Stakes Win

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 1, 2022)—A nose shy of being unbeaten in eight starts, three of them stakes, Nick Alexander’s homebred Becca Taylor tries graded stakes competition for the first time as she returns to Santa Anita to head Saturday’s Grade III, $100,000 Desert Stormer Stakes as five fillies and mares three and up go six furlongs. Trained by Steve Miyadi, California-bred Becca Taylor, who was second, beaten a nose two starts back in the Irish O’Brien Stakes at 6 ½ furlongs down the hillside turf course, ventured to Golden Gate Fields on May 7, where she pressed the pace and posted a one length allowance victory going six furlongs on synthetic Tapeta as the 1-5 favorite. A 1 ¼-length winner of the statebred Spring Fever Stakes at six furlongs on dirt three starts back Feb. 21, Becca Taylor is unbeaten in three tries on dirt, two of them in statebred stakes at Santa Anita. A 4-year-old filly by Old Topper out of the General Meeting mare Lady... ...

California Stallion Coach Bob Passes at 13

ELK GROVE, Calif. (June 2, 2022) – California stallion Coach Bob passed away on Thursday at Daehling Ranch from complications of kidney disease. He was 13. The son of Bertrando, out of the Yankee Gentlemen mare Gentlemen’s Hope, was bred in California by Pam and Martin Wygod and sold at the 2010 Northern California Yearling Sale for $5,000. Owned by Tom Gerstel, Reina Gonzalez, Keith Hembree, Jean Hembree and Jeff Kitchen and trained by Gonzalez, Coach Bob earned $211,367 on the track, with stakes placings at ages 3, 4 and 5. That included a second-place finish behind Big Macher in the Donald Valpredo California Cup Sprint. “It’s a very sad day for all of us here at the farm,” said Julia Daehling Oldfield. “He was a super easy stallion to work with and he enjoyed human interaction and loved peppermints. He would run up the gate if he heard the wrappers. We will miss him.” ...

Freeport Joe

Freeport Joe wins $100,000 All American. ...

Quarter Crack Compromised Brickyard Ride

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (June 1, 2022) — Surely there had to be a reason California-bred Brickyard Ride quit early in the Grade 2 Triple Bend Stakes on Sunday at Santa Anita. The 3-10 favorite after winning four successive stakes, Brickyard Ride caved at the quarter pole and finished fifth under Juan Hernandez. It turns out he had an alibi – an irritating quarter crack in a hind foot. “He came out of the race with a foot bothering him,” trainer Craig Lewis said. “Juan said he didn’t push off like he usually does, and we’re assuming that’s the reason. He just didn’t run his race.” It was not his first quarter crack, just the first to affect performance. Brickyard Ride had a quarter crack in a front foot early this year. “Once we got it patched it stayed good, cold, and never affected him,” Lewis said. “This one did affect him. He just wasn’t himself.” Brickyard Ride was to ship Wednesday to San Luis Rey Downs for hyperbaric treatment. After... ...

Fasig-Tipton Debutante Next for Tom’s Regret

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (May 31, 2022) – Tom’s Regret, the undefeated California-bred filly who beat males in the Kentucky Juvenile Stakes on May 5 at Churchill Downs, is likely to have her next start in the $100,000 Fasig-Tipton Debutante on June 18 at Santa Anita. Trainer Jorge Periban said in May that Tom’s Regret was under consideration for the Grade 3 Schuylerville Stakes on July 14 at Saratoga, but said over the weekend that the Fasig-Tipton Debutante at five furlongs for 2-year-old fillies is a revised goal. Tom’s Regret was recently offered in a Fasig-Tipton digital auction, but was listed as not sold for $390,000, according to the sale company’s website. Tom’s Regret, a California-bred filly by Tom’s Tribute who races for the partnership of Griffin Stables, Saul Carrillo, Victor Flores, and Eugene Zondlo, won her debut in a maiden special weight race for fillies at 4 1/2 furlongs on April 15 at Santa Anita, pulling clear by 11 1/2 lengths. :: Win big at Santa Anita: Get DRF... ...

NorCal Sale Grad Rallies to Win All American

From Golden Gate Publicity BERKELEY, Calif. (May 30, 2022) — Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Freeport Joe sat off a wicked-fast pace before closing on the outside and passing a handful of rivals to take down the 2022 edition of the $100,000 All American Stakes for 3-year-olds and upward at one mile on Tapeta on Monday afternoon at Golden Gate Fields. Under regular rider Assael Espinoza, Freeport Joe sat well behind blazing fast fractions of 22.35, 45.60 and 1:10.46 seconds. The 5-year-old son of English Channel began a move midway on the far turn before swinging for home while remaining in the clear. He mustered up a rally on the outside of rivals and eventually wore down runner up finisher Navy Armed Guard, the defending champion of this race last year, and third place finisher Dicey Mo Chara. Freeport Joe hit the wire a half-length in front of the runner up finisher and stopped the clock for one mile on Tapeta in 1:36.40 seconds. Freeport Joe was bred by Richard... ...

Alice Marble Aces Fran’s Valentine Stakes

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 28, 2022)—Although she was heavily favored, it appeared Alice Marble was in the deep end of the pool a quarter mile from home in Saturday’s $100,000 Fran’s Valentine Stakes, but with leading rider Juan Hernandez at the controls, it indeed seems anything is possible these days at Santa Anita, as Alice Marble fairly exploded the last eighth of a mile to win going away by three quarters of a length. It was Hernandez’s fourth stakes win of the day and his fifth overall. Owned and bred by Nick Alexander and trained by Phil D’Amato, Alice Marble got a flat mile on turf in 1:37.67. Under a snug hold at the rail while third, about 2 ½ lengths off longshot leader Flying to the Line leaving the half mile pole, Alice Marble was shuffled back to fifth around the far turn and had six lengths to make up turning for home, but Hernandez was unflappable, splitting horses while three deep and with an eye-catching... ...

Alice Marble

Alice Marble wins $100,000 Fran’s Valentine. ...

Big Switch

Big Switch wins $150,000 Melair. ...

Melair’s Trainer Wins Melair with Big Switch

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 28, 2022)—George Krikorian’s homebred Big Switch was completely dominant as the odds-on favorite in Saturday’s $150,000 Melair Stakes at Santa Anita, winning by 4 ¼ lengths. Ridden by Juan Hernandez and trained by John Sadler, who coincidentally trained the race’s undefeated namesake, Big Switch got a mile and one sixteenth in 1:44.87 while notching her second stakes victory. The Melair is part of the lucrative CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series for eligible California-bred or sired 3-year-old fillies. Attentive to the early pace set by It’s Simple, Big Switch easily moved on terms with the leader heading into the far turn and had a one length edge on Rose Maddox and Youteyourhonor a quarter mile out. From there, Big Switch widened through the lane, winning like a filly with considerable upside. A winner of the seven-furlong Golden State Juvenile Fillies in her second start on Nov. 5 at Del Mar, Big Switch was most recently fifth versus open company in a 6 ½ furlong hillside... ...

Bally’s Charm

Bally’s Charm wins $150,000 Snow Chief Stakes, presented by City National Bank. ...

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